New London STEM teacher named magnet Teacher of the Year honor for northeast region

New London — Janet Farquhar, a science and biomedical teacher at the Science and Technology Magnet High School of Southeastern Connecticut in New London, was named the 2014 Teacher of the Year for New England, New York and New Jersey by Magnet Schools of America.

Farquhar, who has worked at the STEM magnet high school for six years, was hired to grow the school's biomedical program, which in 2011 became the first program of its kind in New England to become nationally certified.

"Janet has been a driving force in the ever growing success of our school," magnet high school Director Louis E. Allen wrote in Farquhar's recommendation letter. "Her passionate commitment, vision, and enthusiasm motivates others to become involved and encourages collaboration widely across all levels of our staff and community."

On her application for the honor, Farquhar scored a 99 out of 100 possible points, according to Art Arpin, co-president of the Connecticut Association of Interdistrict Magnet Schools.

Farquhar will compete against up to seven other teachers of the year from different parts of the country for the Magnet Schools of America title of National Teacher of the Year. The winner of that award will be announced in May at the Magnet Schools of America conference in Hartford.